Lead us not into temptation; but, deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13). This is a cry of our hearts. Recognizing our frailty and weakness, we long to never face temptation. Afterall, without God’s helping hand, I know how quickly I will fall. Yet, throughout this journey, we do face temptation. It is all too easy for my heart to be fooled. My heart desires too much and too quickly my heart is deceived by its own desires. Yet, we know it is not God who tempts us. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed (James 1:13-14). So, God is not the tempter; however, He allows us to be tempted to grow our faith in Him.
Jesus faced temptation when the Spirit lead Him into the wilderness. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:1). He was victorious over the temptations. Yet, He was very keenly aware of the struggles facing His followers. Temptations would face them; because, their hearts were not yet perfected. In moments of great prosperity and moments of great distress, the heart tends to draw away from God’s Spirit. In moments of complacency or moments of great pain, we tend to withdraw from the Spirits control of our hearts. Then, our human nature attempts to take the throne. Temptations rage. Furthermore, in times of great spiritual victories, Satan desires our defeat. Temptations flood our hearts and minds. Therefore, this part in the prayer, is a cry of the heart, recognizing that without His sustaining hand, we will fail.
When Temptation Comes
Although our heart cries out, “please do not allow me to face temptation, for I know I am too weak to overcome”; yet, we at the same time cry, “deliver us from evil.” Don’t let my self-centered heart win, Lord! Yours is the kingdom! Reign in my heart!
When Jesus spoke to Peter, telling him of his own impending temptation to deny Christ, He said; Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31-32). Satan thought he could destroy Peter’s faith through the temptation presented. Oh, yes, as we so often do; Peter failed the temptation. However, Christ restored Him. His faith did not fail! Indeed, it grew stronger, once with repentant, humbled heart he came to Jesus on the shores of Galilee. So, even when we fail against temptation, Christ is there praying for us. He can take our failure and turn it into victory; when, we focus on Him. He is the victory we cannot obtain on our own.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (I Corinthians 10:13).
The Purifying Trials of Temptation
Although, our hearts cry is don’t lead me into areas where temptation is; yet, we know we have a Savior who will protect us from the destruction of evil. He has through His sacrificial death on the cross, paid the price of our sin. Furthermore, His resurrection is the victory over sin and death, for all who trust Him as Savior and Lord. It is for that reason we may say as James instructed.
My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers’ temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing…Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:2-4, 12
My heart cries, “do not allow me to face temptation, for I am weak.” Yet, God’s reply is “I’ve got you” even in the trials.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24). Thank God, through Jesus Christ I am upheld. He has cloaked me in His righteousness; that all my sins past present and future are covered by the blood of Christ.
Although, my heart cries to not face temptation; I know Christ is praying for my faith. My only hope to have victory facing temptation is anchored in Jesus Christ, my Savior and King.
I Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
TWEETS
[bctt tweet=”My heart cries, I am weakI Yet, I have hope of victory when facing temptation; because I am anchored, held firm by Jesus Christ and He alone!” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]God is the victory we cannot obtain on our own[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=” My heart cries, “do not allow me to face temptation, for I am weak.” Yet, God’s reply is “I’ve got you” even in the trials.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Peter failed However Christ restored Him & his faith did not fail! [/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=” So, even when we fail against temptation, Christ is there praying for us. He can take our failure and turn it into victory” username=”effiedarlene”]
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Previous Posts Concerning the Lord’s Prayer
How to Really Forgive Others Their Trespasses
Is Your Heart Truly Broken by Your Sin?
What are You Really Asking God For?
Do You Mean It When You Pray Thy Will Be Done?
How to Live in Joyful Expectation of God’s Kingdom
How to Really Honor God: Hallowed Be Thy Name
What is the Significance of Having a Heavenly Father?
Do You Really Know God as Father?
How Important is the Lord’s Prayer?
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.